Colcannon (Traditional Irish Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage)
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half for a richer version
- 3 cups green cabbage or kale finely shredded
- 4 scallions green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more for the potato water
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 2 cloves garlic minced
- Optional garnish: extra butter and chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle boil for 15–20 minutes, or until fork tender.
- Drain well and let them sit in the warm pot for 2–3 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Prepare the Greens
- While the potatoes cook, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet.
- Add the cabbage (or kale) and cook for 5–8 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the scallions during the last 2 minutes.
- If using garlic, add it during the final minute of cooking.
- Warm the Milk
- Heat the milk gently in a small saucepan or microwave until warm (not boiling).
- Mash Everything Together
- Mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and gradually stir in the warm milk.
- Fold in the cooked cabbage and scallions.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve
- Spoon into a serving bowl.
- Make a small well in the center and add a pat of butter to melt over the top.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 320 mg* |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Total Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 45% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
| Potassium | ~820 mg |
Estimated Nutrition for the Entire Recipe
- Calories: ~1,760 kcal
- Fat: ~56 g
- Carbohydrates: ~280 g
- Protein: ~40 g
- Fiber: ~28 g
Notes
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes will make the dish creamier and slightly higher in calories than russets.
- Substituting kale for cabbage will increase vitamins A, K, and C while adding very few calories.
- Using half-and-half instead of whole milk adds about 15–20 calories per serving.
- Adding bacon or cheese can increase calories by 40–100+ calories per serving, depending on the amount used.

